Genvisec advises that travel to most areas of Djibouti can continue after appropriate security briefing, Areas near the Eritrean and Somalian border should not be visited.

 

Crime

 

Petty crime is not uncommon in Djibouti. Don’t walk around town alone late at night. Keep valuables, particularly cameras and passports, out of sight.

 

Local travel

 

The Genvisec advise against all travel to the border with Eritrea. In 2008 there were military clashes between Djibouti and Eritrea after an incursion of Eritrean forces into the disputed Djibouti border region. The situation remains fragile and further conflict is possible.

 

Take great care if you travel to remote areas of the country, including the border with Somaliland, in the north-west of Somalia, where the presence of security forces is low and there is an increased terrorist threat.

 

Road travel

 

Avoid travelling outside city centres after dark; vehicles often have no lights and livestock may be on the roads. Roads are narrow, poorly lit and maintained. Police set up wire coils as roadblocks on some of the major roads, which are not clearly visible at night. Land mines are common in the northern districts of Obock and Tadjoura and the southern district of Ali Sabeih.

 

Rail travel

 

All services on the Djibouti to Ethiopia railway have been suspended since 2011. Construction has started to replace and modernise the railway line.

 

Sea travel

 

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Attacks of piracy and armed robbery against vessels in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin are successful almost exclusively against shipping which has not complied with agreed shipping industry best practice on self-defence measures, including on routing.  

 

Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable to attack due to their low speed and low freeboard. All mariners intending to sail through high risk areas should consider alternatives, such as transporting the vessel by yacht carrier.

 

Yacht races and rallies do not have to take place in these high risk areas; they place their competitors at unnecessary risk of attack. Mariners should not take part in these races.

 

All mariners should follow the Best Management Practise for the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia published by the International Maritime Bureau. Mariners should register with the Maritime Security Centre, Horn of Africa for up to date advice and guidance on passage round the Horn of Africa.

 

See the Genvisec Piracy in the Indian Ocean page.

 

Terrorism

 

Djibouti and western interests within Djibouti may be seen as a legitimate target by Al Shabaab because of its support to the Somali government and its participation in the African Union peacekeeping mission AMISOM. Al Shabaab has previously issued public threats against Djibouti.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 13,000 adults aged 15 or over in Djibouti were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 2.5% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 35 09 62 or 35 27 12 (switchboard) and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

From May to October the climate is very hot and dry. Below average rainfall in the past four years means many regions in East Africa area experiencing a severe drought including Djibouti. You may experience difficulties travelling overland. Local services and the availability of food and water could be affected. 

 

Follow the advice of local authorities, take care while travelling around the country and avoid large gatherings.

 

Government of Djibouti's Emergency Assistance Numbers

 

You can dial the following from a local phone (Services offered in French):

. Police - 17

. Firefighters/Ambulance - 18

. Hopital Général Peltier - 21-35.09.62 / 21-35.27.12 (switchboard)

. Force Armée Djiboutienne - 21-35.03.45

. Djibouti Telecom Information Desk - 12

 

Money

 

Credit cards are accepted at only a very few places in Djibouti. It is not possible to get currency advances against a credit card. Make sure you have enough hard currency or travellers’ cheques.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Djibouti has a predominantly Muslim population. You should dress in a conservative manner in the city. Homosexual behaviour is illegal. Drinking alcohol is permitted, but drunken behaviour could result in a two-year prison term.

 

During Ramadan you should show respect to those who are fasting and take care not to offend Islamic values.

 

Photographing infrastructure (such as ports, public buildings, airports, military facilities and bridges) is prohibited. Your equipment will be confiscated and you could be arrested. When taking photos near prohibited places you should take care and seek local advice if you are unsure.

 

French, Arabic and Somali are widely spoken.

 

Natural disasters

 

Djibouti is in an active volcanic and earthquake zone. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see Genvisec webpage.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Djibouti.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Departure tax

 

There is a $20 US departure tax at the airport.

 

Consular Assistance

 

British Citizens

 

There is no British Embassy in Djibouti. The British Honorary Consul in Djibouti can offer limited help. If you need consular assistance outside office hours you should contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa.

 

British Consulate Djibouti (no premises)

PO Box 169 

Rue de Djibouti 

Djibouti

Djibouti

 

Email

alain.martinet-honcon@fconet.fco.gov.uk

 

Telephone

+ 253 35 50 07 / 35 73 27 / 35 28 79

 

Fax

+ 253 35 25 43

 

Office hours (GMT)

Sunday to Thursday

6:00- 9:00

 

British Embassy Addis Ababa

Comoros Street

Addis Ababa

858

Ethiopia

 

Email

Britishembassy.addisababa@fco.gov.uk; Addis.Consular@fco.gov.uk (Consular email)

 

Telephone

+251 11 661 2354

 

Office Hours (Local time):

Monday to Thursday

8.00- 16.45

Friday

8:00 - 13:00

 

Fax

+251 11 6610588

 

The Embassy landline telephone is not reliable,  use the receptionist’s mobile number:

+251 912 501 107 (for emergency) or +251 911 255 481 (for Consular Emergency)

 

American Citizens

 

American Embassy, Djibouti

Lot 350-B Haramouss

B.P. 185

Djibouti

 

Phone: (253) 21-45-30-00

 

 

Fax: (253) 21-45-31-29